I tend to agree with you Darkblade48, I would rather have the one that's overkill than one that will simply get the job done for less.

I have another question. So I plan to use pps pro when I get all of this CO2 stuff taken care of and when I read this Newbies guide to CO2http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...e-pps-pro.html from what I read am I to believe that since we're using such a low rate of co2 injection that it's not necessary to turn it off at night. Therefore my question is, would it be a terrible idea to not install a solenoid on my regulator unit? I could always install one later right, assuming I don't permanently assemble this thing?

I'm not too worried about wasting co2 at night since its such a low rate and I have a 10lb tank so it shouldn't be a problem.

That one should work, yes. You may be able to find similar Smith regulators for less on no ebay links allowed

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenderBendingRodriguez

Therefore my question is, would it be a terrible idea to not install a solenoid on my regulator unit? I could always install one later right, assuming I don't permanently assemble this thing?

I'm not too worried about wasting co2 at night since its such a low rate and I have a 10lb tank so it shouldn't be a problem.

Not using a solenoid is not a "terrible idea", but it is an option that you can choose. Some people don't use a solenoid due to budget restraints, etc.

I use one because it helps save gas.

You can install a solenoid at a later time if you wish. I'm not sure what you mean by permanently assemble the setup; as long as you are not using Loctite, parts can be disassembled easily (teflon tape or pipe compound).

That one should work, yes. You may be able to find similar Smith regulators for less on no ebay links allowed

Not using a solenoid is not a "terrible idea", but it is an option that you can choose. Some people don't use a solenoid due to budget restraints, etc.

I use one because it helps save gas.

You can install a solenoid at a later time if you wish. I'm not sure what you mean by permanently assemble the setup; as long as you are not using Loctite, parts can be disassembled easily (teflon tape or pipe compound).

What I meant by permanently assemble is basically what you said i.e. loctite etc. I was planning on using teflon tape.

On a 10lbs tank, the difference between running all the time vs on a timer, could mean the difference of having to refill the tank every three months as opposed to once a year. From that standpoint, I'm lazy and can't be bothered to get the tanks filled more often, so I'd opt for the timer.

Also, I would go with teflon tape over loctite only because it makes it way easier to redo something, like fixing leaks, or upgrading parts if using the tape.

For whatever its worth, weld-fabulous probably is the cheapest place to get the same one gla uses. EBay generally is more. You could do more with your money if you do some research into finding a used. 2-stage. That's a whole other animal in itself though.

Just a note - the two regs you linked have 200 and 150 psi low pressure gauges. That will work, but more ideal would be a 60 or 100 gauge - you'll be able to be more precise when picking a working pressure. This will be especially useful when you reconnect the regulator after a cylinder refill and don't want to mess (much) with the needle valve.

I'd still recommend a used reg from Evilbay (a quality used dual stage can be had for less than any of the models you or I linked). As long as it's in working condition when you get it, a used industrial single or dual stage reg will almost definitely last as long as your interest in the hobby ...so long as you don't take a baseball bat to it, or something similar.

Just a note - the two regs you linked have 200 and 150 psi low pressure gauges. That will work, but more ideal would be a 60 or 100 gauge - you'll be able to be more precise when picking a working pressure. This will be especially useful when you reconnect the regulator after a cylinder refill and don't want to mess (much) with the needle valve.

I'd still recommend a used reg from Evilbay (a quality used dual stage can be had for less than any of the models you or I linked). As long as it's in working condition when you get it, a used industrial single or dual stage reg will almost definitely last as long as your interest in the hobby ...so long as you don't take a baseball bat to it, or something similar.

So where did you see the 150 and 200 psi rating on the gauge? I can't find it. And does anyone know a good seller for a dual stage regulator so I can see what that will cost?

If I ended up going with the first one you posted and wanted to connect it to a fabco nv 55 what parts would I need to go from reg to needle valve to tubing? I am having a hard time figuring out all the bits and pieces I need.

Check oldpunk's sticky in the Equipment forum about building a regulator. It has the answers to everything you need to know.

As to the pressure, the first reg you linked was a 40-175-320.
40 = Series 40 model
175 = Max output pressure in PSI
320 = CGA320 nipple and nut

Additionally, if you click on "larger image", you can see that the red inside numbers are in PSI. The highest number is 200. Even if you didn't know that this model was rated for 175psi, included gauges are always a bit higher than the maximum output pressure.

And I *still* would recommend an Evilbay used single dual stage over a new single stage due to cost.

Just a note - the two regs you linked have 200 and 150 psi low pressure gauges. That will work, but more ideal would be a 60 or 100 gauge - you'll be able to be more precise when picking a working pressure. This will be especially useful when you reconnect the regulator after a cylinder refill and don't want to mess (much) with the needle valve.

I'd still recommend a used reg from Evilbay (a quality used dual stage can be had for less than any of the models you or I linked). As long as it's in working condition when you get it, a used industrial single or dual stage reg will almost definitely last as long as your interest in the hobby ...so long as you don't take a baseball bat to it, or something similar.

I like the 200 psi LP gauge, the reg output is about 125psi max, pretty easy to adjust around 30-50psi output pressure.
a 60 psi LP gauge means around 45psi max output, 30-50psi output setting is close to the max, too much burden to the poppet valve spring inside, imo.

Smith double stage is the cheapest in retail that I can find so far, other double stage welding regulators, such as Victor VTS, are much higher in price, and of course, other commonly seen chrome plated double stage or the stainless steel, $400-$1000+, in retail..

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